There’s something about BBQ chicken pizza that feels like home, isn’t there? Maybe it’s the way the sweet and tangy BBQ sauce mingles with gooey cheese, or how the fresh cilantro brightens every bite. This recipe has been a staple in my kitchen for years, and it’s one of those dishes that never fails to impress friends and family alike. The moment you pull that golden, bubbly pizza from the oven, the aroma wafting through the air creates a cozy atmosphere that begs for good company and laughter.
Why this BBQ Chicken Pizza will steal your heart
First things first—what makes this recipe special? It’s a delightful combination of flavors and textures that dance on your palate. The robust BBQ sauce mingles so well with tender chicken and stretchy mozzarella, creating a harmonious symphony that leaves you craving just one more slice. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or enjoying a cozy night in, this pizza wraps comfort and joy in every bite.
Another reason to whip up this dish tonight? It’s quick to make! In under 30 minutes from start to finish, you’re well on your way to a cheerful, delicious meal, and your kitchen will be filled with that charming pizza pull, you know? Try pairing it with a fresh side salad or your favorite beverage, and you’ve got yourself a winner!
Gather these ingredients
To create this lovely BBQ chicken pizza, you’ll need a handful of simple yet delectable ingredients. Let’s run through them:
Pizza Dough: This serves as your canvas. You can use store-bought for convenience or make it from scratch if you’re feeling adventurous. If you’re in the mood for a twist, cauliflower crust or gluten-free options work beautifully too!
Cooked Chicken Breast: Tender and juicy, this is your hearty filling. You can use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut or poach some chicken breast for a leaner option.
BBQ Sauce: This is where the magic happens! Pick your favorite brand, or even make homemade sauce—trust me; it’s worth the small extra effort.
Mozzarella Cheese: The gooey goodness! Fresh mozzarella adds a beautiful creaminess, but pre-shredded works just as well if you’re in a rush.
Red Onion: Slice it thin! It adds a crisp texture and a subtle bite, balancing out the richness of the pizza.
Fresh Cilantro: This bright herb is the finishing touch that takes everything to the next level. If you’re not a fan, parsley is a lovely substitute.
Olive Oil: A drizzle on the edges of the crust adds flavor and helps achieve that beautifully golden hue.
Preparing BBQ Chicken Pizza
Now, let’s dive into making this enticing pizza! Here’s how it all comes together, step by step:
Preheat the oven to 475°F (that’s right, get it nice and hot for a perfect crust).
Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness. Whether you prefer thin and crispy or thick and chewy is entirely up to you!
Transfer the dough onto a greased pizza pan or baking sheet. Don’t forget to brush those edges with olive oil for that golden finish!
Prepare the chicken: Shred or chop the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Then, toss it with 2 tablespoons of BBQ sauce until it’s evenly coated. It should feel like a cozy hug in a bowl!
Spread the remaining BBQ sauce evenly over the pizza dough, making sure to leave a 1-inch border for the crust.
Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the sauce. You want a good cheesy base for your toppings!
Drizzle the BBQ chicken pieces and sliced red onions evenly across the cheese.
Top it off with the rest of the mozzarella cheese for that fantastic cheese pull!
Bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is a lovely golden brown and the cheese is bubbling like a dream.
Remove from the oven and sprinkle fresh cilantro over the hot pizza. The aroma alone will have everyone flocking to the table!
The best way to enjoy it
Once it’s out of the oven, it’s time to slice and serve! A simple side salad of mixed greens with a zesty vinaigrette pairs beautifully alongside the pizza. If you want to kick it up a notch, a cold beverage—like a crisp lager or a sparkling lemonade—will compliment those BBQ flavors perfectly.
Don’t forget to serve it up on a rustic wooden board for that warm, inviting presentation. It’s not just dinner; it’s an experience!
Keeping leftovers fresh
Let’s be real for a moment: leftovers are often a mixed blessing. You want to enjoy that glorious pizza the next day, but storing it properly is key. For optimal freshness, let any leftover pizza cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Feeling adventurous? You can freeze slices as well! Just wrap each piece tightly and place them in a freezer-safe bag, where they’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months. When it’s time to eat, you can reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, achieving that relaxed, fresh-out-of-the-oven vibe!
Helpful cooking tips
Alright, let’s share some insider secrets to take this pizza experience to the next level:
Don’t skip the olive oil on those crust edges; it’s like giving your pizza a luxurious spa treatment.
Preheat the baking sheet or pizza stone in the oven if you can. It helps with a crispy bottom, and who doesn’t want that?
Make it your own! Feel free to add your favorite toppings—pineapple (if you dare!), jalapeños for a kick, or veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms.
Use leftover chicken from last night’s dinner! It’s a great way to repurpose and reduce waste.
Creative Twists
Feeling bold? Let’s switch things up! Try using different BBQ sauces for flavor variations, such as spicy chipotle or tangy honey garlic. You can also sub the chicken for pulled pork or even a hearty vegan alternative like BBQ jackfruit.
Add a layer of smoked gouda for a twist that smacks of a backyard cookout, or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes over the top right before serving for a spicy kick. The choices are endless!
Ingredients List
- Pizza dough
- Cooked chicken breast
- BBQ sauce
- Mozzarella cheese
- Red onion
- Fresh cilantro
- Olive oil
Directions to follow
- Preheat oven to 475°F.
- Roll out pizza dough on a floured surface to desired thickness.
- Transfer to a greased pizza pan and brush edges with olive oil.
- Shred chicken and toss with 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce until well coated.
- Spread remaining BBQ sauce evenly on pizza dough, leaving a 1-inch border.
- Sprinkle half the mozzarella cheese over sauce.
- Distribute BBQ chicken and red onions evenly over cheese.
- Top with remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until crust is golden brown and cheese is bubbly.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle fresh cilantro over hot pizza.
Your questions answered
How long does it take to make? From prep to plate, around 30 minutes!
Can I use homemade dough? Absolutely! Homemade brings that extra love.
What if I have BBQ sauce leftovers? Use it as a dip for veggies or drizzle it on grilled meats.
Can I prepare it in advance? You sure can; just bake it a little less and finish baking when you’re ready to eat!
What’s a good drink pairing? A crisp lager or sparkling lemonade complements the flavors beautifully.
When you venture into the kitchen to create this BBQ chicken pizza, remember it’s about joy, creativity, and, most importantly, sharing the experience with loved ones. So let the scent of BBQ and cheese fill your home, gather your family and friends, and dive into this deliciousness. You’ve got this! Don’t forget to come back and share your thoughts—I’d love to hear how your version turned out!
BBQ Chicken Pizza
Description
This BBQ Chicken Pizza is a delightful combination of sweet and tangy BBQ sauce with gooey cheese, perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in. It comes together in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients and is sure to impress your family and friends.Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Pizza
Pizza Ingredients
Directions to Prepare BBQ Chicken Pizza
Baking Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 475°F.Prepare Pizza Dough
Roll out pizza dough on a floured surface to desired thickness.Transfer and Brush
Transfer to a greased pizza pan and brush edges with olive oil.Prepare Chicken
Shred chicken and toss with 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce until well coated.Add BBQ Sauce
Spread remaining BBQ sauce evenly on pizza dough, leaving a 1-inch border.Layer Cheese and Toppings
Sprinkle half the mozzarella cheese over sauce, then distribute BBQ chicken and red onions evenly over cheese. Top with remaining mozzarella cheese.Bake the Pizza
Bake for 12-15 minutes until crust is golden brown and cheese is bubbly.Garnish and Serve
Remove from oven and sprinkle fresh cilantro over hot pizza.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 300kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 15g24%
- Saturated Fat 7g35%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 60mg20%
- Sodium 600mg25%
- Potassium 250mg8%
- Total Carbohydrate 30g10%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 5g
- Protein 20g40%
- Vitamin A 500 IU
- Vitamin C 2 mg
- Calcium 200 mg
- Iron 1.5 mg
- Vitamin D 0 IU
- Vitamin E 1 IU
- Vitamin K 5 mcg
- Thiamin 0.1 mg
- Riboflavin 0.2 mg
- Niacin 4 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.2 mg
- Folate 25 mcg
- Vitamin B12 0.5 mcg
- Biotin 0 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 0.5 mg
- Phosphorus 150 mg
- Iodine 0 mcg
- Magnesium 20 mg
- Zinc 1 mg
- Selenium 15 mcg
- Copper 0.1 mg
- Manganese 0.3 mg
- Chromium 0 mcg
- Molybdenum 0 mcg
- Chloride 0 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
